Postal Service Asks Customers’ Assistance Clearing Walkways, Areas Around Mailboxes of Snow, Ice

COURT HOUSE — With snow in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow, the Postal Service is asking customers to help with the safe delivery of mail by keeping walkways and sidewalks clear from snow and ice. In past winter storm events, Postal carriers have suffered serious injuries related to slips, trips and falls due to icy and snow covered walkways and porch steps.
Letter carriers are instructed to use good judgment, if a potential hazard exists, and to hold mail to addresses where ice and snow are not cleared. “No one wants to inconvenience the customer,” said Acting South Jersey District Manager Jim Drummer. “However, we must ensure the safety of our employees.”
The Postal Service is asking customers to help keep their letter carrier safe this winter through the following actions:
• Clear enough snow from curbside boxes to allow mail trucks to approach the box, deliver the mail and to drive away from the box without danger of the need for backing.
• Walkways should be cleared of snow and ice and allow enough traction to avoid slips, trips or falls.
• Steps should also be kept clear of ice and snow and in good repair so as not to cause injury to the letter carriers or others who visit the customer’s home.
• Overhangs should be clear and free of snow and ice to avoid injury.
“The best way to avoid injury is prevention. Please help our employees provide the best service they can, as safely as possible,” said Drummer. “Your cooperation is most appreciated and will help us provide timely delivery of your mail.”